SD: What was the more notable achievement of yours: serving as the basis for a character on Showtime, being featured as a question on “Jeopardy!” or getting fired by a president? PB: I’m gonna go with fired by a president. SD: Safe answer. PB: Is that the Daily Double? SD: What’s the most troubling thing you’ve seen from the president during his time in office? PB: Wow, we don’t have enough time, and they’re hard to rank. But if I have to pick one theme, it’s the complete disregard for the rule of law and the complete obsession with using the tools and institutions of democracy for personal benefit, politically or otherwise, or personal retaliation. SD: It seems that the president could be prosecuted for various alleged offenses when he leaves office. Do you think that whoever the next president is should pardon him to avoid the spectacle of an ex-president on trial — or do you think he should face justice? PB: I think there are arguments on both sides. I do think it’s premature to ask that question, although I think some candidates have made proclamations about that. I think that, in part, depends on what happens with impeachment and if there’s a measure of accountability for the president through this process. And some people think there won’t be, because he can’t be convicted in the Senate. I think we have to see how that process unfolds, see what public sentiment is on the accusations and allegations that haven’t been brought forth yet to make an assessment on whether or not there’s a further need to hold the president accountable. I just think you need to wait and see. SD: A staple of your podcast has been answering questions about the law and current events from your listeners. What have you learned from the types of questions you’ve received? PB: The main thing I’ve learned is how curious people are about the legal system and about the Constitution and how little civic education is readily available. I think
there are lots and lots of thoughtful folks who are paying attention not just to politics but to the law and criminal law and the Constitution than ever before, and they’re looking for voices that have credibility and standing to talk about those things. Really thoughtful folks who will ask basic questions because they’re not in eighth grade anymore, and no one’s going around explaining. SD: Quick lightning round for you, and then I’ll let you go. If you could pass one constitutional amendment, what would it be? PB: That’s so hard! That’s harder than the other question you asked me. You know, I don’t know. There are probably several. But I think we should look at reexamining the breadth of the pardon power. SD: If you could overturn one U.S. Supreme Court decision, what would it be? PB: Again, I hate picking one thing. SD: You can pick two on this one. I’ll give you two. PB: Off the top of my head, just given that we’re in an election cycle, Citizens United. SD: What’s your favorite Springsteen song? PB: “Thunder Road.” SD: Good answer. PB: Finally, an easy one. SD: Finally, what are you most looking forward to during your visit to Vermont? PB: Talking to students and talking about what’s going on in the country. It’s really fun to come and talk to members of a community that I don’t know well and people who attend school. I learn something every time I go there. I probably learn more than people learn from me. m Contact: paul@sevendaysvt.com This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
INFO
Welcome, Cailin! Mascoma Bank is pleased to welcome Cailin McMurdo-Minnich as Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer. Cailin is passionate about helping Vermont businesses. After working in banking in the Burlington area for the past decade, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the market and our clients. Her broad understanding of commercial and industrial loans, as well as real estate loans, will help our local businesses every day. Cailin lives in Burlington and cares deeply about the community, actively volunteering and serving on the board for the Boys & Girls Club of Burlington. She also spends time in local schools teaching financial literacy to students of all ages. Cailin is based in our Commercial Banking office at 180 Battery Street.
“An Evening With Preet Bharara,” George D. Aiken Lecture Series, Thursday, November 14, 5 p.m., at the Ira Allen Chapel, University of Vermont, in Burlington. RSVPs for the event have exceeded capacity, according to UVM.
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